The last Catalan Grand Prix definitely left its mark. Michelin came away with a lot of criticism from the drivers, but these same drivers were not more lenient with the Montmélo track. This 2017 edition may have been too many for a route with the new bitumen requested. With force if we judge by the comments collected.
It is Motorsport which highlights this existing tension between the owners of the Barcelona circuit and the drivers. Two voices were particularly engaged, setting the tone of the debate. First of all Bradley Smith, KTM official: “ We have to hope that we don't come back here again. This is the general feeling that must be remembered. It is the only track on the calendar that does not react to the recommendations of the safety commission and the drivers ».
And the Briton finishes: “ they must be presented with an ultimatum. This is the last year that we find ourselves faced with such a situation. We have enough people who want to welcome us to avoid a visit here. New asphalt is something we have been calling for for years ».
The Montmélo track also hosts Formula 1 races on a different track to that of MotoGP. But that this same MotoGP has used since the fatal accident of louis salom. On the subject, Aleix Espargaró, Aprila official, explains: “ It's not that you don't want to race in Barcelona, it's that you simply can't race there. Where we take the Formula 1 chicane and they move the wall, or we take turn 12 with bigger clearances. But in the current situation, it's impossible, it's too dangerous ».
Tarmac to redo, turn 12 to review or chicane to rethink, the Montmélo drivers have work to do. They had, however, made another chicane which was rejected by the drivers after Friday. On this controversial subject, they declared that they were waiting for the FIM report on which they would then make their decision. Which doesn't stop you from having an opinion in the meantime.
We invite you to rediscover that of Joan Fontseré, who runs the Circuit de Barcelona-Cataluña. It is as clear-cut as that of the pilots, including some spicy comparisons. This promises for the meetings to come…
